The History of Company A, 49th Iowa Volunteer
Infantry

and Biographies of its Officers

Contributed by Judy Landauer
For a roster of the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
click
hereThink you have a relative in the 49th Iowa? Email
your questions by clicking
here!

General:

The following is the printed history of the 49th
Iowa, Company A and biographies
of its officers.

The History:

"49th IOWA, COMPANY "A" HISTORY: Company
A, Forty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
probably the oldest Company in the State of Iowa, was organized in Dubuque,
Iowa in June, 1885, and named after the company of the old Governor's Greys,
and which is really a continuation of the old Company, which was originally
organized in 1859, this Company having the distinct reputation of being
the first Company to Volunteer to President LINCOLN'S call for volunteers
in the Civil War. The Regiment's present Lieutenant-Colonel, Clifford
D. HAM, and also Major BLOCKLINGER, were Captains of this Company at different
times. Company A acted as escort to Governor LARRABEE to the Centennial
celebration of the Constitution of the United States, held in Phildelphia
in 1887, and attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1894. During their
thirteen year's service they have stood at the head of all Companies in
the State of Iowa."

"The personnel of this Company are young men prominent in business
and society circles of Dubuque, Iowa and are a fine a body of men as can
be found anywhere, all volunteering their services for the good of their
country and the honor of the flag."

"Captain Willard M. FLYNN was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, February 2d, 1873, and attended the public schools of that town,
graduating from the High School in Class of 1890. He was connected
with the Standard Oil Company in different capacities since that date.
Captain FLYNN enlisted as private in Company A, Fourth Regiment Iowa National
Guard, Jul 2d, 1890, and was appointed corporal July 28th, 1892, being
transferred to First Regiment Iowa National Guard, 1892; was appointed
Sergeant September, 1894, and First Sergeant April, 1896, afterwards
holding the respective positions of Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant,
and finally being elected Captain, December 6th, 1898. On mustering
in of the Iowa National Guard, Captain FLYNN and his men heartily responded
to the call for volunteers, all willingly giving up their business and
home ties to faithfully serve their country. The Company was mustered
into the service June 2d, 1898."

"First Lieutenant Jacob R. BALLOUGH was born
in Rockford, Ill., October 7th, 1871. He moved to Dubuque, Iowa,
when about five years old, and received his education in the public schools
of that place. Lieutenant Ballough has had ten years experience in military
matters, joining the Governor's Greys Cadet Corps in 1888, and in December,
1890, he joined the famous Governor's Greys, of Debuque, which was formerly
Company A, of the Iowa National Guard. He has been through the various
ranks and was elected to his present position in February, 1898.
Lieutenant Ballough is a popular officer, and during the sickness of his
superior, Captain FLYNN, acted as Captain in Camp
Cuba Libre. In civil life he is a bookkeeper."

"Lieutenant Charles John STEWART was born at
Burlington, Iowa, November 30, 1873. Educated in public schools of
Debuque, Iowa, graduating from the Dubuque High School in 1892. Entered
Debuque County Bank as messenger, and was promoted o bookkeeper, which
position he held for three years. At enlistment in the Army he was
a clerk in the home office the Debuque Fire and Marine Insurance Co. His
military career began in 1890, in Governor's Greys Cadets; joined Governor's
Greys, Company A, First Regiment Iowa National Guard, July 11th, 1892,
as a private. Served as a private, corporal, sergeant and first sergeant,
and on February 22nd, 1898, was chosen Second Lieutenant of his Company.
On June 9th, was detailed as Acting Ordnance Officer of his Regiment, and
has proven a most efficient officer and popular with his men."

"Historical and Biographical Souvenir of the 49th Iowa U.S. Volnteer
Infantry. Illustrated with scenes of camp life." (Jacksonville, FL
1898).

Support this Site by Visiting
the Website Store! (help us defray costs!)
We are providing the following
service for our readers. If you are interested in books, videos, CD's etc.
related to the Spanish American War, simply type in "Spanish American War"
(or whatever you are interested in) as the keyword and click on "go" to
get a list of titles available through Amazon.com.